KAA Gent and Nigeria winger Moses Simon is filled with excitement after helping Nigeria qualify for the final round of qualifiers for the Fifa 2018 World Cup to be hosted by Russia.
The Super Eagles beat Swaziland 2-0 in Port-Harcourt on Tuesday with goals from Simon and Efe Ambrose as Nigeria edged through 2-0 on aggregate after a goalless draw in the first leg in Lobamba.
Incidentally, both players scored for Nigeria in the 3-0 demolition of Cameroun in last month’s friendly in Belgium and they repeated same feat against the Sihlangu with Simon catching the eye with a virtuoso performance at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
“It was a very hard game but I’m happy we have qualified for the final round of the qualifier, the hard work starts right now,”Simon said.
“The Swazi side were really stubborn and disciplined. It was difficult for us to get past their defence especially in the first half.
“It was always going to be a difficult game but we were patient the goals will come and it did come eventually. The coach told us not to panic and follow his instructions which we did and I’m happy we won.
“I give God the glory for the goal but must importantly that we have qualified. I thank Nigerians for their support,”the 20 year old added.
Simon also spoke his free-kick goal which put Nigeria ahead in the game in the 51st minute before Efe Ambrose connected home Sylvester Igbonu’s set piece three minutes before time to set Nigeria on her way.
The former AS Trecin star said he has been practising on various parts of his game and is happy his set pieces are yielding fruits.
“I have been practising set-pieces and I’m happy I was able to pull it off and score the goal. You have to be versatile as a player and I’m a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo as I always try to learn from him,”Simon said.
“I hit the post with a free-kick in the first leg in Swaziland but I’m glad I hit the target at home. It’s been God’s grace all the way.
“This is not even the time to talk about that goal. It is time to celebrate that Nigeria has qualified, that is the most important thing. We will continue to do our best and by God’s grace we shall succeed.
“I want to thank Port-Harcourt fans for coming out to support the team. I and the other players appreciate them,”he said.
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